Wego's latest data shows that searches for international flights from Saudi Arabia increased by 33.58% this winter, with Egypt, Turkiye, and the UAE among the top destinations.
Wego, the number one travel app and largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced its latest insights into the travel trends of Saudi travelers this winter. The data shows a significant increase in travel activity among Saudi travelers, reflecting strong demand for domestic and international destinations.
winter travel trends
According to Wego's comprehensive data, searches for international flights from Saudi Arabia jumped 33.58% compared to last winter. This growth is coupled with an encouraging decline in average costs.
Wego's analysis also reveals that flights are 25.47% cheaper this winter compared to the peak season in summer 2024. However, airfares remained stable year-on-year (YoY) with a slight decline of 3% YoY.
Recommended winter destinations
According to Wego's latest search data, Egypt, Pakistan and India have emerged as the top destinations for Saudi travelers this season, closely followed by Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates. This pattern highlights an important trend among Saudi residents, many of whom are expatriates, choosing to travel to their home country during the year-end holidays. These destinations offer the perfect opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, celebrate cultural traditions and immerse yourself in familiar surroundings during the festive season.
Additionally, the popularity of Turkiye and the UAE reflects its appeal as a versatile destination that combines cultural friendliness with leisure attractions, excellent hospitality and accessibility. Turkiye continues to attract Saudi travelers with its rich history, scenic landscapes and eclectic culinary fusion, while its proximity to the UAE, luxury experiences and family-friendly attractions make it an easy getaway destination It boasts deep-rooted popularity.
Data shows that Saudi Arabians' year-end travel is not only for leisure, but also to celebrate meaningful connections and shared cultural experiences, making these destinations the top choices for the Christmas season.
Wego also observed an increased interest in exploring far-flung destinations among Saudi travelers this winter. In Southeast Asia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines are the top destinations, while in Europe, the UK, Azerbaijan and Italy are the most popular destinations.
Mamoun Humidan, Chief Business Officer of WeGo, said: “The data shows a clear preference for both family vacations and regional travel to culturally significant destinations, as well as international travel that offers new experiences. With the simplified visa process, we expect travel activity to continue to grow for the rest of the season, and Wego is committed to providing the best travel options and experiences for our users.”
Saudi nationals benefit from visa exemptions and simplified visa procedures in many of these countries. Thailand, Indonesia, UAE, Philippines and Turkiye offer visa-free entry to Saudi passport holders, while countries such as Pakistan, India, Azerbaijan and the UK only require an e-visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) . It will be easier for travelers to plan their overseas trips.
